Avoid getting scammed by fake MetaMask websites

What is the "METAMASK" pop-up scam?

We discovered this "METAMASK" scam while inspecting rogue websites. It is disguised as a log-in credential recovery page for MetaMask - a genuine cryptocurrency wallet designed to interact with the Ethereum blockchain. This scheme operates as a phishing scam. In other words, it aims to trick users into disclosing their wallets' log-in credentials - to subsequently gain access and control over them.

"METAMASK" scam overview

The "METAMASK" scam requests users to enter their digital wallet log-in credentials, e.g., secret recovery phases, private keys, and other related information. Supposedly by providing this data, users will be able to restore access to their MetaMask wallets.

However, by doing so - they will expose the log-in credentials to the scammers behind this fake page. With this information in their possession, the cyber criminals may gain access/control over the cryptowallets and the funds stored therein.

Threat Summary:

Name	METAMASK scam website
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Disguise	MetaMask log-in credential recovery page
Related Domains	metamask-verifications.web[.]app, metamask2022bonus[.]com, recover-metamask[.]net, metamask.verify-location[.]com
Detection Names (metamask-verifications.web[.]app)	Avira (Phishing), Combo Cleaner (Phishing), Certego (Phishing), CRDF (Malicious), Kaspersky (Phishing), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Distribution methods	Compromised websites, rogue online pop-up ads, untrustworthy software
Damage	Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft, possible malware infections.
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Cryptocurrency-themed scam examples

There are thousands of cryptocurrency-centered scams on the Web. To provide some examples, we have researched those that target log-in credentials - "Sync Wallets", "Phantom Wallet Recovery", "Solflare scam", etc. Fake cryptocurrency giveaways are widespread as well; "PancakeSwap AirDrop", "UFO giveaway", and "Ripple Giveaway" are a couple of examples.

How did I open a scam website?

Scam webpages are promoted using various techniques. They can be accessed through mistyped URLs (deceptive sites can be opened straightaway or via redirection chains consisting of suspect pages).

Spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, and webpages using rogue advertising networks can cause redirects to such websites as well. Furthermore, adware infiltrated into the system can make a browser force-open scam and other malicious sites.

How to avoid visiting scam websites?

We strongly advise exercising caution when browsing. Do not visit/use untrustworthy websites and those that use rogue advertising networks, e.g., Torrenting, illegal streaming, copyright law breaking download sites, etc. It is noteworthy that questionable webpages commonly use browser notifications for spam; hence, notification requests must be ignored or declined (e.g., "Block", "Block Notifications", etc.).

Researching websites and services is paramount, as that can help identifying phishing/malicious pages disguised as legitimate ones.

Scam sites can be force-opened by adware. Therefore, to avoid installing harmful software, download only from official/verified sources. We also recommend approaching installation processes with care, e.g., reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.

It is crucial to have a dependable anti-virus installed and kept updated. This software must be used to run regular system scans and to remove threats. If your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate all threats.

Text presented in the "METAMASK" scam:

METAMASK

[Secret Recovery Phrase] [Private Key]

Confirm Secret Recovery Phrase

To keep your wallet secure you will be obligated to restore your passphrase. Fill in your passphrase completely.

 

Fill each word in the order it was presented to you.

Account 64 hexadecimal characters private key

To keep your wallet secure you will be obligated to restore your private key. Fill in your private key completely.

The appearance of "METAMASK" pop-up scam (GIF):

Additional examples of METAMASK-themed phishing sites:

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Quick menu:

• What is METAMASK scam website?
• How to identify a pop-up scam?
• How do pop-up scams work?
• How to remove fake pop-ups?
• How to prevent fake pop-ups?
• What to do if you fell for a pop-up scam?

How to identify a pop-up scam?

Pop-up windows with various fake messages are a common type of lures cybercriminals use. They collect sensitive personal data, trick Internet users into calling fake tech support numbers, subscribe to useless online services, invest in shady cryptocurrency schemes, etc.

While in the majority of cases these pop-ups don't infect users' devices with malware, they can cause direct monetary loss or could result in identity theft.

Cybercriminals strive to create their rogue pop-up windows to look trustworthy, however, scams typically have the following characteristics:

• Spelling mistakes and non-professional images - Closely inspect the information displayed in a pop-up. Spelling mistakes and unprofessional images could be a sign of a scam.
• Sense of urgency - Countdown timer with a couple of minutes on it, asking you to enter your personal information or subscribe to some online service.
• Statements that you won something - If you haven't participated in a lottery, online competition, etc., and you see a pop-up window stating that you won.
• Computer or mobile device scan - A pop-up window that scans your device and informs of detected issues - is undoubtedly a scam; webpages cannot perform such actions.
• Exclusivity - Pop-up windows stating that only you are given secret access to a financial scheme that can quickly make you rich.

Example of a pop-up scam:

How do pop-up scams work?

Cybercriminals and deceptive marketers usually use various advertising networks, search engine poisoning techniques, and shady websites to generate traffic to their pop-ups. Users land on their online lures after clicking on fake download buttons, using a torrent website, or simply clicking on an Internet search engine result.

Based on users' location and device information, they are presented with a scam pop-up. Lures presented in such pop-ups range from get-rich-quick schemes to fake virus scans.

How to remove fake pop-ups?

In most cases, pop-up scams do not infect users' devices with malware. If you encountered a scam pop-up, simply closing it should be enough. In some cases scam, pop-ups may be hard to close; in such cases - close your Internet browser and restart it.

In extremely rare cases, you might need to reset your Internet browser. For this, use our instructions explaining how to reset Internet browser settings.

How to prevent fake pop-ups?

To prevent seeing pop-up scams, you should visit only reputable websites. Torrent, Crack, free online movie streaming, YouTube video download, and other websites of similar reputation commonly redirect Internet users to pop-up scams.

To minimize the risk of encountering pop-up scams, you should keep your Internet browsers up-to-date and use reputable anti-malware application. For this purpose, we recommend Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.

What to do if you fell for a pop-up scam?

This depends on the type of scam that you fell for. Most commonly, pop-up scams try to trick users into sending money, giving away personal information, or giving access to one's device.

• If you sent money to scammers: You should contact your financial institution and explain that you were scammed. If informed promptly, there's a chance to get your money back.
• If you gave away your personal information: You should change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication in all online services that you use. Visit Federal Trade Commission to report identity theft and get personalized recovery steps.
• If you let scammers connect to your device: You should scan your computer with reputable anti-malware (we recommend Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows) - cyber criminals could have planted trojans, keyloggers, and other malware, don't use your computer until removing possible threats.
• Help other Internet users: report Internet scams to Federal Trade Commission.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a pop-up scam?

Pop-up scams are deceptive messages intended to trick users into performing specific actions, e.g., disclosing private data, making monetary transactions, downloading/installing software, etc.

What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?

The primary goal of all scams is to generate revenue for the criminals behind them. Pop-up scams can achieve this by abusing or selling vulnerable information, obtaining funds through deception, promoting content, distributing malware, and so forth.

Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?

Pop-up scams are promoted on dubious websites that are usually accessed inadvertently. Users can enter them via mistyped URLs or redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?

Combo Cleaner is designed to scan visited sites and detect rogue, deceptive, and malicious ones. Therefore, you will receive immediate warnings. Furthermore, Combo Cleaner can restrict access to such webpages.

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